Vikings’ coach Brad Childress talking about former Gopher Laurence Maroney who comes to town next Monday night with New England: “I thought he was a very good player coming out (to the 2006 draft). …He’s got the speed to be able to take it the distance.”
The American Heart Association is working with the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL to promote the What Moves U program to encourage kids to get physically active. The Vikings’ Steve Hutchinson is involved. “It’s important for students to stay active – especially with the rise in childhood obesity,” Hutchinson said.
Best humor witnessed over the weekend: a Gopher fan wagging his index finger and yelling we’re “No. 1” after Minnesota scored its lone touchdown in a 10-9 victory over Division I-AA North Dakota State on Saturday.
Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, said there is quiet talk among local sports boosters to bid for the 2016 Olympics. This area finished second to Atlanta in a bid for the 1988 Olympics, Lester said.
Bethel linebacker Kirby Carr, Saint John’s linebacker Jamie Steffensmeier and St. Thomas wide receiver P.J. Theisen have been listed among 148 candidates by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) for the 2006 Draddy Trophy. The award is given to the best player in the country based on combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. The winner receives a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Among the past winners is former Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel (2003).
Davanni’s owner and former Gopher Roger Schelper, 58, still plays pick up basketball a couple times per week at a local health club. The former Edina High School athlete (track, basketball and football) was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame last year.
Saint Paul Saints pitcher Mike Meyer, the team’s all-time leader in victories, and first baseman Nick Gretz are retiring from professional baseball. Meyer is returning to his home in Arizona. Gretz, who lives in Farmington, is working in the Twin Cities and is an assistant coach for the Apple Valley High School boys’ hockey team.